The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes.
While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties.
Read more for details on how this may impact your business in the future.
1. Determine if Your Business Must File.
A “reporting company” is any small business, corporation, or LLC that is registered with the state, unless exempt. Exemptions apply to publicly traded companies, banks, and charities. For example, a local bakery in West Des Moines, IA would likely need to file a BOI report, while a national bank would not.
2. Identify Your Beneficial Owners.
A “beneficial owner” is someone who either has substantial control over a company or owns at least 25% of it. For example, in a custom printing service business in West Des Moines, if an individual owns 40% of the company and is involved in major decision-making processes, they would be considered a beneficial owner.
3. Gather the Required Information.
Prepare:
Business name, address, and EIN.
Beneficial owners’ names, addresses, DOBs, and ID details.
4. File Your BOI Report.
Deadlines:
Existing businesses: File by 01/01/2025.
New companies (2024): File within 90 days of formation.
New companies (2025+): File within 30 days of formation.
ZenBusiness offers a streamlined approach to BOI reporting in Iowa, providing businesses with accurate guidance to ensure compliance with FinCEN regulations.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. FinCEN provides a 90-day safe harbor period for corrections without penalties.
No action is needed immediately, but if you decide to move forward, you can avoid hassles with your Iowa BOI filing by filing with the quick and accurate assistance of ZenBusiness.
Additional Resources:
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As of December 3, 2024, a Texas federal district court has issued a preliminary injunction for all states to block the CTA and its relevant regulations. However, filing your BOI will help you avoid fines if this injunction is overruled.